To those in threads with me.

To those in threads with me or otherwise interested in my disappearance, I offer an explanation. I went to college to become what is known a a 3rd Mate - a licenced crew member of a ship and someone who is in charge of millions of dollars worth of cargo and equipment as well as the lives of his fellow crewmembers. My time in college was spent training for the position, however in order to obtain the license there is an exam. Seven tests, each three and a half hours long, taken over the course of a week. Three of them require a 70% or better, two require an 85% or better, and the last two require 90% or better. In order to pass and get the license, all seven tests must be passed. This is why I have been gone as of late: preparing for and taking this exam. However I am pleased to announce that I have finished it and will be returning to pick up where I left off.